| Ritalin LA, a version of the original methylphenidate with | | | | other ADD/ADHD medications you've tried in the past. |
| the similar brand name is also a stimulant medicine. The | | | | Your physician may adjust your dosage in increments |
| difference between Ritalin LA and Ritalin is that the LA | | | | of 10 mg up to a maximum of 60 mg daily. Of course, |
| version is a sustained release medication. | | | | just how long this drug lasts in your system depends |
| Taken by mouth only once a day, it's best given at | | | | on your circumstances, but it was designed to last |
| breakfast. This capsule should be swallowed whole. | | | | about 8 hours. |
| Don't crush or chew its contents, because you may be | | | | Be patient. You may not notice any change in behavior |
| destroying the long-lasting aspect of the drug. Either | | | | in the first two weeks of use. According to some |
| crushing or chewing may also increase the risk of | | | | medical experts, that's how long it may be before |
| developing adverse side effects. | | | | Ritalin LA takes effect in your system. |
| If you or your child has problems swallowing | | | | Ritalin LA Side Effects |
| medication, you can, however, (depending on the | | | | When you take Ritalin LA, you should be aware of the |
| specific brand you purchase), open the capsule and | | | | side effects, which are quite similar (not surprisingly) to |
| sprinkle the contents into applesauce. Before you do | | | | other Ritalin medications. Some individuals for example, |
| this, consult with your pharmacist to make sure you | | | | have complained of stomach problems, loss of |
| have the proper variety of drug. | | | | appetite as well as nausea while on the medications. |
| More than likely, your physician will start you out on a | | | | Other side effects including difficulty in sleeping, |
| dosage of 20 mg daily. If you previously had been | | | | dizziness, lightheadedness as well as dry mouth. But |
| using another methylpenidate medication, then your | | | | that's not all, in some cases side effects, such as |
| doctor will probably have you begin with the same | | | | blurred vision, irritability and nervousness have also |
| total dosage as your previous prescription. | | | | arisen. And in a few cases, people have even |
| But keep in mind the specific dose of Ritalin LA, your | | | | complained of constipation or drowsiness. If you |
| health care provider prescribes actually depends on a | | | | experience any of these conditions while on Ritalin LA, |
| number of factors, including your age, any other | | | | you should notify your doctor immediately. |
| medication you may currently be taking, as well as | | | | |